Breaking news

Greek Tanker Navigates Strait Of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Greek shipowner George Prokopiou’s tanker Shenlong has transited the Strait of Hormuz carrying approximately one million barrels of Saudi crude, according to ship-tracking data. The vessel is managed by Dynacom Tankers Management, and its passage comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.

Strategic Navigation In A Volatile Corridor

Ship-tracking data show that Shenlong temporarily switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) on March 4 while sailing in the Persian Gulf. The tanker later reappeared off the coast of India on Monday, indicating that it had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Market Dynamics Under Geopolitical Strain

Data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence indicate a sharp decline in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in early March. Ship movements fell by 91% compared with February, reflecting increased caution among shipowners operating in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important maritime routes for global oil shipments.

Industry Resilience And Strategic Commitment

Shenlong is the first of five tankers expected to transit the area as part of Prokopiou’s shipping operations. Two additional vessels managed by Dynacom Tankers are reported to be following similar routes through the region. The movements highlight the continued role of commercial shipping in transporting crude oil from Gulf producers to international markets despite security concerns.

Solar Photovoltaics Drive Global Energy Demand: A Renewable Milestone

Solar Photovoltaics Lead The Charge

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accounted for 27% of global energy demand growth in 2025, marking the first time a single renewable technology has led the increase. This compares with overall demand growth of 1.3% in 2025, 2% in 2024, and an average of 1.4% over the previous decade, highlighting the accelerating role of solar in the global energy mix.

Surpassing Traditional Energy Sources

Solar PV outpaced natural gas, which contributed 17% of the increase in energy demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), new solar installations added capacity equivalent to 600 terawatt-hours (TWh), bringing total solar generation to 2,700 TWh, or roughly 8% of global electricity production. This shift reflects growing reliance on renewable energy for power generation across major markets.

Traditional Fuels Under Pressure

Demand for fossil fuels showed slower growth. Natural gas consumption rose by 1% in the first half of the year, compared to 2.8% in 2024. Oil demand increased by 0.7%, with additional daily consumption reaching 650,000 barrels, down from 750,000 in 2024 and well below pre-pandemic increases of around 1.4 million barrels per day. Part of this slowdown is linked to the substitution of cleaner energy sources. Electric vehicle sales rose by 20% in 2025, accounting for roughly one-quarter of the global market.

Mixed Trends In Coal Consumption And Emissions

Coal demand increased by 0.4%, reflecting diverging regional trends. China and India reduced coal use as renewable capacity expanded, while the United States increased coal consumption in response to higher electricity demand. Coal contributed around 9% to demand growth, similar to wind energy.

Global CO2 emissions from the power sector rose by approximately 0.4%. Emissions declined in China due to increased use of renewables and nuclear energy, while U.S. emissions increased alongside higher coal usage.

Record-Breaking European Renewable Production

Europe recorded strong growth in renewable generation in the first quarter of 2026. Solar output increased by 15%, marking the highest quarterly rise on record, while wind generation grew by 22% year over year. Total renewable production reached 384.9 TWh, supported by solar, wind, and hydroelectric output. These gains helped offset volatility in gas markets linked to geopolitical tensions, including developments involving Iran.

Looking Ahead

Renewables are taking a larger share of global energy demand growth, with solar PV at the center of this shift. Combined contributions from renewables, biofuels, and nuclear energy now account for roughly 60% of new demand, indicating continued structural change in the global energy system.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter